JA4APUAU3MU0043212021 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport
Executive Summary
2021 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 17 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- ▸1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- ▸Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
- Make
- MITSUBISHI
- Model
- Outlander Sport
- Year
- 2021
- Trim / Series
- Wagon body style
- Body Style
- Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
- Vehicle Type
- MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Drive Type
- 4x2
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4-cyl 2L 148 hp
- Doors
- 5
- Manufacturer
- MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION (MMC)
- Assembly
- KURASHIKI CITY, OKAYAMA PREFECTURE, JAPAN
- GVWR
- Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
- Base MSRP
- $20,995
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
✓ No high-risk recall components found
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 1 recall is ~64%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
MITSUBISHI has a below-average recall completion rate (80%). Open recalls on this vehicle may go unaddressed longer than average (~24 months). Verify completion before purchase.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~24 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
SummaryMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with continuously variable transmissions and mechanical key ignition systems. A software error in the transmission control unit (CVT-ECU) may incorrectly reduce the transmission gear ratio at high speeds, which can result in an engine stall.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
100% of complaints about "POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE" were filed AFTER recall campaign 22V563000 (2022-02-08) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
The blue line shows 17 total NHTSA complaints filed over 5 years, with the worst year being 2024 (6 complaints).
The amber reliability line averaged 80/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 64/100 in 2024.
The recall (red dashed line) were issued in the same year or before complaints peaked, suggesting the manufacturer identified and acted on the defect relatively quickly.
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $31,487 (~$525/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Based on original MSRP of $20,995 with suv depreciation curve. Range reflects ±15% market variance. Actual value depends on condition, options, and local demand.
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | JA4APUAU3MU004321 |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Make | MITSUBISHI |
| Model | Outlander Sport |
| Series | Wagon body style |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seat Rows | 5 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 2 |
| Horsepower | 148 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION (MMC) |
| Assembly City | KURASHIKI CITY |
| Assembly Country | JAPAN |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | JA4 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 3 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | M |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | U |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 004321 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 1 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 17 |
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 5/7/2026, 5:27:39 PM.